Many people may come across Okra (sometimes Bamya) on Cretan menus and not know
what it is. It is a vegetable eaten in Latin America, Africa, India and SE
Europe (Greece & Turkey) and the Levant. In Britain it is available in Turkish
and Greek shops, and is becoming more widely available in the supermarkets.

Okra is a green vegetable, reminiscent of a small courgette. The taste is more
similar to green beans or green pepper after it has been overcooked. Okra has a
unique taste which is hard to describe –just try it!

Okra can be a side-dish or the main meal in Greece. The vegetables will come
with plenty of olive oil, occasionally accompanied by potatoes and carrots. Due
to the amount of oil, okra is a satisfying meal at a cheap price. A plate of
okra with bread in a restaurant will cost €4-5 and will make a nice light lunch.